Mulling Over a Mule

This mysterious Domitian dupondius came up in trade recently advertised as a ‘mule’. Being a specialist I couldn’t resist!

A Coin Struck Around the Time of the Vesuvian Eruption

I got into Roman history as a kid by excitingly reading about the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. When I started collecting coins of the Roman Empire it was only natural for me to collect those of the ruling house at the time of that seminal event – the Flavians.

Titus had been emperor for a few short months when the eruption occurred, so his coins struck in those first fledgling months hold a special place in my heart. My latest piece comes from that treasured time period, possibly struck within weeks of the disaster.

Vespasian the Younger

Acquiring a coin of Vespasian the Younger, Domitian’s chosen adopted heir, has been a dream of mine for many years. A Flavian Grail coin if ever there was one! Finally, I was able to win a superb example last month at auction. It arrived this week and I’m absolutely thrilled!